As promised, former Bauhaus bassist David J released his “exquisite new cinematic interpretation” of the band’s iconic song “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” at 1 minute past midnight today, marking Halloween with his new 12-minute “Undead is Forever” remake that features piano work by Jill Tracy and an excerpt of Lord Byron’s vampire poem “The Giaour.”
The track — which also features “Ysanne Spevack on eerie antique autoharp, banshee violin and ‘bride of Dracula’ backing vocals, Kenny Annis on seismic rumbling contrabass and Randy Odell on ghost whisperer drums, this dark melancholic exploration was recorded live by candlelight in a single take” — can be streamed below and is also available to buy on Bandcamp.
PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS
- David J to release ‘new cinematic interpretation’ of ‘Bela Lugosi’s Dead’ on Halloween
- Daniel Ash box set, expanded reissue of David J debut due from Cherry Red next month
- Q&A: Bauhaus’ David J on his ‘accidental’ concept album ‘Not Long For This World’
- David J to release new solo album, play with Love and Rockets tribute band
- Tones on Tail ‘Weird Pop’ vinyl best-of to feature rare and unreleased tracks
Love the music, really dislike the way Mr. J phrases the lyrics.
He sounds too much like David Tibet from Current 93 on this. The real crime was that Jill Tracy’s fantastic voice was not used for this song, which would have been absolutely perfect.
Cool interpretation. I didn’t mind David J’s voice. I liked it. But the music is where this version excels most.
This is cool enough with David’s dramatic reading, but it does seem like a missed opportunity to have a woman sing the song. That really could have redefined a classic, whatever Jill Tracy might bring to the table, who knows.
Now Peter Murphy need to cover Holiday on the Moon or something.
Just doesn’t compare with Peter Murphy’s amazing vocals on the original… seems reductive
+1
The vocals really are similar to David Tibet. Thought I would dislike it, but really enjoyed it.
It’s great. David obviously will never have Murphy’s voice, but I love his vision and solo work. He wrote the lyrics for this song after all, so give him some credit.